Turn Around {Sequel to Where the Lights Are}

Chapter 2

Alan's POV

My poor sweet Mia. When she's sleeping, she looks so innocent, so peaceful. She's fighting that war inside her again, and I don't want her to feel that way. She doesn't deserve it, not after all that she's already been through.

I can't fall asleep. I stay up praying for my beautiful girl. I pray that she keeps fighting. I want her to feel good about herself, I'd do that, even if it meant that I would have to take all this pain on myself. I'd do it in a heartbeat for her.

Before I know it, it's morning. "Alan, are you still here?" Mia calls out, aimlessly. "Yes my darling, I'm still here," I say, grasping her small hand in mine.

"You feeling any better, princess?" I ask. She shrugs, "I'm still afraid Alan. I'm still nervous. I still don't know how I'm going to get through this. With you here, it doesn't hurt as bad."

"Honey," I choke out, fighting back tears. "Alan, I love you so much," Mia whispers. I cup my hand around her face, and smile, "I love you even more, sweetie."

She moves around, and her head is on my shoulder. Moments like these still haven't changed with us. She's still my little girl, no matter what.

I nuzzle my face in her hair, and whisper, "Remember, your worth." She nods, and she grabs my hand, leading me to the kitchen. Josh is still asleep on the pull-out, so we have to keep quiet.

Mia's phone rings, and she presses it up to her ear, and answers it. Apparently, Claire's real dad would like to visit, and possibly take her home.

"That's the hardest part about fostering. You never know how long you'll have them," I whisper as she hugs me, "At least you had her for longer than most people do."

Mia cries, and cries, which I understand. She loves Claire, we all do. But maybe there's another kid out there who needs Mia, one that God has in store just for her.

"Alan," she says, after she's practically cried her eyes dry. "Yes my love, what is it?" I ask, stroking her hair. "Will I ever get used to kids leaving?"

"Oh honey, I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think so," I sigh, "Just know that you've made a difference in their life." She nods, and soon the rest of her family is up and in the kitchen.

"I didn't know Alan was here," Josh says. "Yeah, man, when'd you get here?" Jaxon asks. I shrug, "I came late last night. Mia needed me."

"Guys, I think Claire is going to be leaving, but I started looking at new kids a few weeks ago. I think I'm going to have two new ones. A boy named Stephen, who's thirteen. He's had a lot of trouble at previous foster houses. And I'm also getting Ariel, Stephen's sister. She's seven, and they refuse to be split up," Mia says.

"That's good, babe, but are you sure Stephen's the right kid for you?" I ask. She nods, "I believe God wants Claire to move on so I can make a difference in Stephen and Ariel's lives."

She asks Josh, Jaxon, and I if we would be available to help her collect a few items for Stephen to play with and use while he's here. We're doing that later.

God, please let Stephen adjust well here. I know he hasn't done well in previous foster homes, but he has to do okay here for Mia. These kids are what she needs. Amen.

Mia's POV

Before I go to the store, I go to Caleb and Kelsey's house to pick up Claire. "Mommy," Claire squeals, as I let myself in. I crouch to her, "Hey Claire-Bear, you have a good time?" She nods, "Yes." I smile, "I'm glad, go get your stuff ready while I talk to Mr. Caleb and Ms. Kelsey."

I walk into the kitchen, and we all sit at the counter. "Claire's going back to her house," I spit out. Caleb looks at me as I blink back tears, and wraps his arms around me. "I'm so sorry, kiddo," he whispers into my hair.

Once he lets go I tell him some more good news. "I'm taking two more kids. They're older than Claire, and ones a boy. I know it's going to be a challenge, but I'm so up for it!" I say, truly excited to welcome Stephen and Ariel into my home. "That's great, hon, we're so so so proud of you," Kelsey says.

Claire comes back downstairs with her things and hugs Caleb and Kelsey goodbye. "Bye sunshine," Kelsey says, kissing her hair. "We love you Claire-Bear," Caleb reminds her. She kisses his cheek, and smiles, "Love you too, Mr. Caleb."

I take her hand, and we go back to my house. "Would you like to play with Josh or Jaxon?" I ask her. "Jaxon," she says, pointing her small fingers at him. Jaxon grins, and scoops Claire up in his arms, "Come on girlie, let's get this play date started."

Josh and Alan are taking me to the mall to get some toys and such for older kids. "What do you think Stephen would like?" I ask them. Alan and Josh both share a glance, then look at me. "Video games," the recite together in unison.

We walk to GameStop, and pick up some "boy" games for my Xbox. I also notice a new Disney Princess game there, and get it too. If Ariel doesn't play it, I know three guys who will.

We go to FYE, and I get some Star Wars movies, and The Wiz Live for them to watch. I don't really need any more movies, but you have to buy more, right?

I reluctantly tag along, and Josh and Alan browse Lids, in search of the perfect new hat. "Hey sweetheart, what do you think?" Josh asks, modeling the hat he just found. I give him a thumbs up, "Looking good, Joshy!"

They both buy a hat, then we get back to my house. I put all the new stuff away, and watch in awe as my big brother runs and plays with Claire. She adores him.

"Jaxon, you can't catch me!" She chants, running past me. Jaxon pants and pretends to be tired, "You're right, I can't. I've ran too much. I'm too tired." He lays down on the floor, and closes his eyes.

Claire giggles, like she won the victory, when suddenly Jaxon sits up and pulls her into his lap. I join them n their game, cherishing every precious moment I have left with my Claire.